Belief and Unbelief

Is it possible to believe in Christ and doubt him at the same time? Is it possible to have belief and unbelief in our hearts and minds simultaneously? If so, what does God think about that? What does he do with us when we get that way?

One of my favorite exclamations in the gospels comes from a man whose son is held captive by an evil spirit (Mark 9:14-29). This man brought his boy to the disciples while Jesus was on the Mount of Transfiguration, but the disciples could not drive out the demon. When Jesus arrived, after some conversation, the man said "if you are able" to do anything... Jesus quickly responded "If you are able! All things can be done for the one who believes." In other words, Jesus was rebuking the man for his lack of faith. Jesus essentially said that those without faith - those with unbelief in their hearts - will not receive what they ask for from God.

So how does the man handle Jesus' rebuke? He immediately exclaims "I believe! Help my unbelief!" What a contradiction! But how true - and applicable for today. Within the span of a couple of seconds, this man revealed his true heart - how he wants to believe that Jesus can heal his son - but he doesn't see how it is possible - so at the same time he also doubts it.

How often are we like that? We want to believe that Jesus Christ can still save us - we want to believe that the words of the Bible are true - we want to believe that God still works in mysterious ways - but we also have our doubts...

So how does Jesus handle the man? He rebukes the child's spirit - and heals him. The father's admission - of faith and of doubt - belief and unbelief - was enough for Christ. That's certainly good news for me - because while I want to have absolute faith in Jesus and the Holy Spirit to work today - I must admit that I still have doubts. But the good news is that Jesus doesn't require perfect faith - he only requires some faith - so that when he does something miraculous in our lives - or in the lives of those around us - our faith will strengthen - and we will give him the glory...

From Excitement to Disappointment

As I was reading through Numbers 2, my mind was conjuring up images of massive groups of people - lined up and ready - for whatever would come their way. I'm sure it was an awesome sight - to see that many people - gathered in their regiments - and to hear the millions of people - cheering as their tribe name was called out. There must have been a huge air of excitement running through the camp - a feeling of expectation that they could conquer the world - with God on their side.

The only problem is - that I know the rest of the story - that just a few weeks later - they rejected God - and voted against conquering Canaan - and were thus forced to wander in the desert until the entire generation passed away.

What happened to all those feelings of invincibility? What happened to all the excitement? What happened to the dedication? And how often do we act the same? How many times have we gone to worship and realized what God has in store for us - got all charged up about it - and then faltered just a short time later? Thank God for grace - both for the Israelites - and for us today.

Which Old Testament Laws Are Still Applicable Today for Christians?

I almost didn't write this post, because I don't really know how to answer my own question here, even though I know that this really matters. But I'll share some thoughts...

For years, I've been taught that Christians were required to follow some of the Old Testament laws, such as the Ten Commandments, but not others, such as the Clean and Unclean distinctions.

But as I've been reading through Exodus, and especially Leviticus, I've been realizing more and more that some of what Christians teach today almost seems arbitrary. Case in point: Leviticus 20... This chapter deals mostly with sexual sin - who a man can and cannot marry - and what punishments are appropriate for violating the code. Many of these laws are still in place today - some even with the force of secular law - the rest simply seen as wrong by Christians. But some are not followed by secular society or the church - even though they seem to be presented in this chapter as equal. So how do we know which are still applicable today, and which aren't?

Obviously, some of the Old Testament commandments are repeated in the New Testament - if not by Jesus, then by Peter and Paul - and some are specifically spoken against - such as in Peter's revelation about eating unclean foods. But the New Testament never gives as much detail as the Torah, leaving a little leeway for discussion in many areas. We also have the guidance of the Holy Spirit - and the teachings of the church Fathers - but I guess I'd like to have recieved a little more explicit instruction in the Bible itself...

The Dead Come to Life

In chapter 27, Matthew tells us of at least three interesting events that occur at the moment Jesus is crucified.

First, we find that the curtain in the Temple is torn in two, from top to bottom. Matthew doesn't explain this any further, but the general consensus is that this symbolizes the way that Jesus has opened up the worship of the Lord to everyone - that there are no more barriers. In his day, only the priests could visit the Holy of Holies - and only once per year. But through Christ - and the Holy Spirit - we can access the presence of the Lord whenever we want - since he is now living within us.

Second, we see that there was an earthquake - that broke rocks in two. This earthquake was certainly felt on Golgotha (as it led the Centurion to pronounce that Jesus was the Son of God) - but it obviously occurred in other places as well - as we see from the next event.

Third, and probably the most intriguing, Matthew tells us that the earthquake opened many tombs - and that many of the saints were resurrected and went into the city, where they were seen by many people. Again, Matthew gives no explanation of how or why this happened, he just reports it as fact.

So my question is: Why? Why did the dead come to life? And why isn't this talked about more?

I have a feeling that this isn't talked about because it's a little strange - along with the fact that there is no explanation given - nor confirmation in any other gospel. Yet Matthew, led by the Holy Spirit to write, presents it as truth.

Could this be a precursor to the Resurrection at the End of Time? Could this be symbolic of the way Jesus brings life to dead places - like the River of Life from Revelation and Ezekiel? Does this give us just a taste of the power of Jesus' death - his sacrifice - upon the cross? And finally - can we expect similar things today?

I don't know the answers to my questions - but I trust that through Christ, the dead will come to life - both physically and spiritually.

Holiness Is Contagious

In Exodus 29:37 and 30:29, we read that anything which touches the altar of God becomes holy. Simply coming in contact with the sacred surface is enough to make a person or an offering Holy before the Lord.

So my question is: Can the same thing happen today - with us? We don't use the Tabernacle or a sacrificial altar anymore, but Peter tells us that we are to be holy, as Christ is holy. Is this because we have come into contact with Christ? I would say yes. Does it also mean that we can transfer holiness in some way to those we come in contact with? Possibly, because with Christ in us, when someone sees us, it is like seeing Christ. And when someone touches us, in a way, it can be like touching Christ.

Why Such Detailed Instructions?

As I was reading through Exodus 25-30, I was struck by the level of detail that God gives on the construction of the Tabernacle and the priestly garments. God doesn't just say "build me a temple worthy of my presence" - instead He gives precise dimensions and exact requirements - something that even a non-architect could figure out to some degree. Obviously there was still room for artistic interpretation, such as exactly what the cherubim would look like, but overall, God had a very precise idea of what he wanted.

So my question is: "Why?" Why does God care that acacia wood was used - instead of oak or cedar? Why does God take pains to list the 12 different precious stones that are to be attached to Aaron's breastplate - instead of allowing others such as diamonds or rubies? What is so important about the dimensions of the Tabernacle which, while large, are certainly not massive?

I have a feeling that some of the requirements are based on symbolism which has been mostly lost throughout the ages. But I think the overall message here is that God wanted the Israelites to know that this Tabernacle was His. He came up with the plans, he instructed the builders, and he gifted the people with the talents to accomplish it. The Israelites could never turn around later and claim that any of this was theirs. They certainly built it - but it was not their idea.

How does this relate to today? One example is salvation. No human can save themselves - it is only by the blood of Christ. Certainly we have to be an active participant in the salvation process: faith, confession, fruits, etc. But we cannot do it without the grace of God, and we would never know how to do it, if Christ had not come to earth and told us and showed us.

Eye of the Needle

In Matthew 19:24, Jesus says that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God. The phrase "eye of the needle" has been the subject of debate among biblical scholars. If Jesus was being literal here, and talking about the eye of regular needle, then it would be impossible (barring some miracle from God) that a camel could go through it. It's hard enough to get a piece of thread in there sometimes...

But there is another option. In the Middle East there were many walled cities. Throughout the wall, there would be gates. Generally, these gates had at least two openings: the large door that would open fully and a smaller door inset in the larger one. This smaller door was referred to as "the eye of the needle." The larger door was opened for pack animals and caravans, while the smaller door was used primarily for foot traffic. For a fully laden camel to go through the smaller door, its owners would have to unload all the baggage - and then squeeze the camel through to the other side, at which point they could then load everything back again. It would be very time-consuming and difficult, but not physically impossible. However, for the owner, they would really have to want to get in the gate to go through that kind of trouble.

Which was Jesus referring to? We're not 100% sure. I like the eye of the needle in the gate - especially with the way the camel must be unloaded (symbolizing our need to unload our attachment to our wealth). Either way, it is only by the help of God that either can take place.